Disorders

Question 1

Define Phobias

Answer 1

Phobias are ‘anxiety disorders’ Primary symptoms are extreme anxiety and conscious avoidance of a feared object or situation. EG agoraphobia, social phobia and specific phobias

Question 2

Define Depression

Answer 2

Depression is a mood disorder. DSM-5 distinguishes between major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder which is longer term and.or recurring. Most people suffer only from depression whereas others experience states of mania that alternate with their depression (bipolar disorder)

Question 3

Define OCD

Answer 3

OCD is an anxiety disorder, typically beginning in young adulthood. It has two components; persistent, obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours eg intrusive thoughts about contamination and a compulsion to clean.

Question 4

Behavioural Characteristics of Phobias

Answer 4

A phobics immediate response to a feared object or situation is avoidance.
Example in social situations they may freeze or faint. The usual stress

Question 5

Emotional Characteristics of Phobias

Answer 5

These are primarily marked, persistent, excessive and unreasonable fear, anxiety and panic.
They are cued by the presence or anticipation of a specific object or situation

Question 6

Cognitive Characteristics of Phobias

Answer 6

Phobias are characterised by irrational thinking and resistance to rational arguments. EG a flying phobic is not helped by arguments that flying is relatively safe. Furthermore, the person recognises that their fear is excessive or unreasonable, although this feature may be absent in children.

Question 7

Behavioural Characteristics of Depression

Answer 7

Activity level may be reduced or increased eg some individuals experience reduced energy and increased fatigue, while others become agitated and restless. Some sleep more whereas others experience insomnia.

Question 8

Emotional Characteristics of Depression

Answer 8

Formal diagnosis - ‘Major Depressive Disorder’.
Symptoms include sadness, feeling worthless, low self-esteem, loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities, feelings of despair, lack of control and anger directed towards others. Or turned inwards on the self, possibly after being hurt and wishing to retaliate.

Question 9

Cognitive Characteristics of Depression

Answer 9

Negative emotions are associated with negative thoughts such as a low self-concept, guilt, a sense of worthlessness and a pessimistic view of the world. Such negative thoughts are irrational, they do not accurately reflect reality.

Question 10

Behaviour Characteristics of OCD

Answer 10

Compulsive behaviours reduce anxiety c d washing to remove contamination or covert such as prayers to avert perceived danger. Failure to carry out the behavior leads to excessive anxiety. Some compulsions are not preceded by obsessive thoughts.

Question 11

Emotional Characteristics of OCD

Answer 11

OCD can cause anxiety and distress, embarrassment and shame

Question 12

Cognitive Characteristics of OCD

Answer 12

Obsessions are recurrent, intrusive and unwelcome thoughts which the individual will, at some point, recognises as excessive and unreasonable